Customer Reviews

Dreamweaver CS4 All-in-One For Dummies

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With a title: "Dreamweaver CS4 for Dummies", you expect it to be just that...for dummies. Even the intro explains that this book is aimed at people with only a basic level of computer experience (ie: internet experience, microsoft word, etc.).

Now. I am a smart person - I am not expecting web design to be a peace of cake, but I am finishing a degree in biology...I should really be able to use the "dummies" book.

It jumps back and forth between the different "books" within this big book. It fails to fully explain many, many things. I've been sitting here for three hours trying to "Create" a website, and this book is a big epic fail.

For example:

I took the book's advice and picked a "preset template" with which to play around in. It notes in the book that I can also pick from preset colors, as well. I have read and reread the step-by-step instructions (as well as flipped through various areas of the book), and am I still stuck with either 1) a layout with no color or 2) a bunch of HTML script which (I assume) codes for a bunch of colors. What. The. Heck.

Furthermore, after trying to see how I can edit the color on my website, I check the book for "color" in the index...and, believe it or not, there is no general info page on how to change/add colors onto websites. There is merely a page number which takes me to an advanced and non-related page.

Anyway, the other reviews were written by a graphic designer and an individual who had experience with past dreamweaver versions - for someone with that level of experience, this is surely a helpful book. However, for you people who have never looked at dreamweaver and have utilized websites at the facebook/google/wikipedia/blackboard level, this is probably not for you.

This book is a must have for anyone starting out with Dreamweaver. The book offers easy to follow intruction and can be easily navigated. As with all their books Dreamweaver cs4 for Dummies assumes you know absolutely nothing about web design/development so it's a good fit for almost anybody.

Being a graphic designer I have always found that after some initial understanding of a piece of software the way I really learn to use it is to do a job with it. At that point is when I have to problem solve to get the job done. "Dreamweaver CS4 for Dummies" by Sue Jenkins and Richard Wagner fits right into my game plan. Equipped with a great table of contents and especially an extensive index I can find what I need to know at a glance. The information is extremely extensive for each topic so I can get as deep into the topic as I need to at then time. Organized with tips to remind you of workflow and production information you may not consider otherwise is an especially usful plus when you are doing a real project.

The beginner and expert alike will benefit from "Dreamweaver CS4 for Dummies" since it gives you the basic training as well as more technical information. I suppose you could follow the book from start to finish but I can't say I have time for that. I choose to investigate the lessons that I need to use to problem solve my projects as they come up. It gives you plenty of room to learn in your own time. Although I have used various DVD training courses for my Dreamweaver study I find "Dreamweaver CS4 for Dummies" an invaluable instruction and reference tool for my ongoing web design and development needs.

This book is an excellent resource to have on your bookshelf. Not to be confused with "Dreamweaver CS4 For Dummies" - this"Dreamweaver CS4$ - All In One - for Dummies" is subdivided into 9 mini books - which equals one pretty massive book. As a print designer with some limited knowledge of web design, I found this book pretty easy to navigate and appreciate that it is written in plain, easy to follow, language.

While I am new to CS4, i've dabbled with previous versions of Dreamweaver (and GoLive) in the past, and i think this book is written to my learning level. (Which I think is a sliver above "beginner.") While the book doesn't build a site with you step by step in a lead and follow scenario, like some others do, it does present you with all the varied building blocks to build a site. (And consequently, these "building blocks" are written in a clearly labeled, step by step, numbered manner.) I do like that you can skim through the book and easily focus on the exact things you want to learn. While skimming the many "books" I learned quite a few things that I did not know existed in the program. (Especially the whole chapter on "Energizing your Site." I had no idea about working with layers and AP elements.)

Generally I prefer watching videos to learn a program. But I always like (& need!) to have a few books on the shelf for when questions come up, and I know this one will come in handy when I have to design my next website. (While i haven't seen this exact video/dvd, the author Sue Jenkins does have one: "Class on Demand: Adobe Dreamweaver for Designers DVD" and the reviews look extremely good.) I think I might have to check that out next.

I normally like the Dummies titles, however this one is written a touch more technical. I wouldn't recommend this book to the uninitiated student there are simpler methods and descriptions available just in web tutorials.

I am a print designer familiar with Adobe products. Two years ago I took a Dreamweaver class, and because I did not practice often (the adage "use it or lose it" truly applies when learning a deep program), I forgot much of what I learned. Now I have to get that website I started two years up and running, and my class notes make little sense. This is why I'm so thankful to have this complete 9-books-in-one reference guide!!! What I really like about this book is the clarity of organization, and how easily I can skip around for specific information. I also found it helpful to read the first few sections for review and to fill in my gaps of knowledge. There are also more technical sidebars for the more technically oriented, but the body of the book is very accessible. At this time, I'm happy with this one book sitting next to my desk, and I don't feel the need to have additional books on the subject.

This is a great book that covers all aspects of the program.

it is important that you know what you want to make, ie this isn't a step-by-step guide to putting together a website. It is something I keep beside my desk that I refer to often.

If you know what you want to achieve and have a basic idea about website this is for you!